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Tag Archives: dignity

“Caregiver and Survivor” is out ! Stories by The Suzette Brown

http://paper.li/caissg/1329056556?edition_id=2a73aff0-0242-11e5-bc01-0cc47a0d164b

Thank you for the share – of my ITRC Blog.

I try to inform caregivers and family members of the importance of first securing a reputable Elder Law Attorney for your loved one – which in turn, makes the caregiver ALSO accountable to the Elder Attorney.

Please clean up house or rooms of your loved one. AS DPOA – remove invoices, bills, statements, personal information with DOB and social security numbers on display, all cash within reason, and pertinent information that could be used incorrectly.

Monitor phone calls, get caller ID and ability to block telemarketers who prey on the elderly.

AS DPOA – Have a password issued AT the bank or credit union so loved one cannot have access to an open account/amount of cash. They will find a way to get to the bank or credit union. Mom’s credit union urged and begged me to instill a password on her account. She would show up constantly and take out money. She was obsessed with her MONEY.

The cash would invariably disappear when she returned to the facility – assisted living facility. Was it in her clothes? Did she hide it? Did she lose it? Did she leave it somewhere? Was it stolen? The password STOPPED her withdrawing hundreds of dollars in cash.

AS DPOA – Be aware – keep up with the bills and invoices, keep accurate financial records, be prepared to give weekly updates to loved ones elder attorney, and set up a filing system to organize all records.

Ensure your loved one is taken care of: financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Thank you to “Caregiving Survivor” on Twitter for this amazing share.

SUZ

“Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes” – on “Plaid Radio” !!

“Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes” – on “Plaid Radio” !!

Thank you, shout out to Sarah Zink.

I am honored to have been featured on their “Plaid Radio” show…
talking about caregiving, family and being a caregiver for my Mother. Many tips, resources, organizations, “should” and “could” have done – for caregivers.

SUZ

5* Book Review – “Hit the Nail on the Head”

5* Book Review – “Hit the Nail on the Head”

New 5* review that is eloquently written with beautifully relayed sentiment. Refreshing expression – of an often misunderstood responsibility.

“That said, I would recommend this book not only to caregivers but also to those who support or criticize the role of a caregiver in their family”. The reviewer goes on to say – many instances that only caregivers can relate to….”

“The book is instructive, and it hit on most of the highs and lows I experienced. It’s all too easy to give instruction to caregivers when you’re not one, and it’s even easier to dot every conversation with a caregiver with “helpful hints,” even if the speaker doesn’t have a clue what he or she is talking about…”

Thank you – MJ Plaster.

SUZ

Self Publisher’s Showcase – author interview, “Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes”…

Self Publisher’s Showcase – author interview, “Alzheimer’s Through My Mother’s Eyes”…

http://selfpublishersshowcase.com/interview-suzette-brown-author-of-alzheimers-through-my-mothers-eyes/

Thank you Self Publisher’s Showcase for a FAB author interview.

SUZ

Radio Talk – with Sarah Zink – “Plaid for Women”

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sarahzink/2015/03/26/alzheimers-through-my-mothers-eyes-with-suzette-brown

Honored to be chosen to partake in “Plaid for Women’s” Radio Talk show.  My experiences as a caregiver – day to day life and the frustrations of being a caregiver.

Many subjects broached to help those who are in the same situation I was in.  Driving – get your loved one off the road—If you can do a better job – please take over.  Do not take the change in your loved one personally – it is the disease speaking.

Many more discussed from my experiences over the yeas.

Please share any comments, suggestions or ideas – they are always welcome.

Thank you Ms. Zink !

SUZ

Suzette Brown, author interview….thank you “Indie Author News”

Thank you Indie Author News for the amazing author interview.  I am so proud to share my words and “pay it forward” to caregivers, family members, friends and acquaintances.

http://www.indieauthornews.com/2015/02/indie-author-interview-suzette-brown.html

Readers can also view this author interview on my Twitter page:   @thesuzettebrown

SUZ

A Blog By Donna Thomson – “The Caregivers’ Living Room”….

Great read – and such an informative site for caregivers, family members, friends, and all that encompass taking care of – a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease and other illnesses.  Check out Donna’s Blog !

http://www.donnathomson.com/2015/01/the-perfect-caregiver.html

“Caregiver Burnout – There is Help” !

Caregiver Burnout – There is Help!By: Attorney Susan I. Jean

The Heritage Law Group

In my practice, I counsel caregiver spouses and caregiver children; people who are caring for loved ones with dementia and other debilitating diseases.  One fact has become obvious to me:  Caregivers do the very best they can. 

Most embrace the caregiving challenge.  Someone they love needs them and they want to help.  Along with the embrace, caregivers also go through moments of sheer frustration.   Caregiving of this type can rub raw an array of exposed physical, psychological, and spiritual nerves.  These feelings are normal and natural.  Don’t let them make you afraid.  And don’t let them cause you to give up.

Caregivers can often use someone to turn to; a guide; someone who has been there and done that”!   Well, guess what – there are an array of mentors and supporters for caregivers.  And in most instaces they are right in our community.  And they can help!

I suggest that caregivers start by reaching out to the Alzheimer’s Association and similar illness-specific groups.  These are people, volunteers and professionals who understand all too well the struggle.  The Alzheimer’s website at www.alz.org is a great place to start.  You can find ways to reach your local chapter, as well as tips and information about caregiver support resources, including support groups.  Dementia, by its very nature, is an isolating condition.  Caregivers must go out of their way to avoid becoming isolated themselves.  And the Alzheimer’s Association is an outstanding place to start. 

Our local health care providers, particularly those who treat more seasoned patients, aer also excellent sources of referral information.  From them, caregivers can learn more about in-home assistance, long and short-term respite care, and other day-care options that can offer a break for caregivers.  Life’s frustrations are often softened, and our ability to tolerate is enhanced, when we have a chance to pause and renew our spirit.  Ask your loved one’s health care professional about resources that can help.

If you have been accustomed to finding friendship an support at your house-of-worship, you should know that most religious denominations, as well as many individual churches, mosques and synagogues, have resources and people who can help.  Check in with a church leader.  His or her advice and love might open great doors.  The truth is there are few adults whose lives have not been touched by a friend of family member with dementia.  Finding an empathetic and experienced ear at the same place where you have already found spiritual fellowship and support makes great sense.

Perhaps you would prefer to start your caregiver journey by means of study and research.  Bookstores and libraries offer a great variety of resources.  We even have a local author, Suzette Brown, who has published an excellent book that explores the personal stresses of caregiving.  The book is entitled:  Alzheimer’s:  Through My Mother’s Eyes.  You can learn more about this resource at:   http://www.alzheimersandflowers.com

No matter which of these resources you turn to, I suggest one additional place to turn:  The Heritage Law Group (yes, you knew that was coming!)  There are so many ways that we can help caregivers and loved ones so that they can focus on their mission.  Our attorneys include a Certified Elder Law Attorney, another attorney with an advanced law degree (L.L.M.) in estate planning and elder law, and additional attorneys with years of experience in elder law.  We also have a Geriatric Care Manager with twenty years experience helping clients and patients with compassionate care.  In addition, our firm has over fifty years of combined experience with elder law, estate planning, family law, and other matters.  Please call us at (757) 659- 0006 and arrange for a consultation so that we can talk about the type of help that would best suit your situation.

Help is out there.  Caregiving need not and should not be a solitary journey.

“Looking After Someone With Alzheimer’s At-Home” by Relink (e-book)

I had the privilege of reading the online e-book by “Relink” titled, “Looking After Someone With Alzheimer’s At Home”…

First, allow me to offer admiration to any caregivers or family members who have taken a loved one with documented Alzheimer’s Disease into their home.  It takes dedication, courage and love to open up one’s home for any loved one.  I had to realize that my family was unable to take care of my Mother in our home – as we both worked full-time jobs, had a teenager in high school and were unable to afford home care for supervision of my Mother.

This e-book offers twenty (20) wonderful steps, including ideas, suggestions and pertinent information for family members to make their journey easier regarding care of their loved one with Alzheimer’s Diseases in their home.  Many of these steps I can easily relate to – *driving, *communication, *safe environment, *denial, *(don’t) argue, *communication and *guilt.

Top tips and suggestions are – *take care of yourself as the caregiver, *find and attend a caregiver support group, and get over any *guilt associated with duties or loyalties as a caregiver.  Just know that you are doing the best job your can do and if anyone feels they can do a better job as the caregiver – please offer them the full-time role of caregiver to your loved one.

I highly recommend this e-book to anyone considering welcoming a loved one into their home.

I have to give this e-book a 5 ***** rating !

Suzette Brown

“Caring Across Generations”….full time caregiver and employee

Thank you to “Caring Across Generations” for asking me to write a blog/article on my experience being a Caregiver and a full-time employee with a family of my own.  Employers need to understand the precarious position we, as Caregivers are in.

How did I ever do it?  I look back now and have no answer, other than sheer will and support from my husband of 31 years and son.  I am honored to share my blog…..

http://www.caringacross.org/stories/caregiving-while-working-full-time/